[Teggo]

I'm having a problem installing the "superdrive" (aka Pioneer DVR-104). I ordered one of these for my Sawtooth G4 to replace the now dead format DVD-RAM. However, I have run into some problems. Since Apple supplies all of the drivers, I figured that the swap would not require new drivers. The hardware swap was a breeze, and it was immediately recognized. In the Apple System Profiler, it reads:

ATA-3 Bus:

PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104:

Manufacturer: PIONEER
Model: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104
Revision: 1.30
Serial Number: BGEA013945WL
Drive Type: CD-RW/DVD-RW
Disc Burning: Apple Supported/Shipped
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal

My problem is this: it will not recognize any DVDs. It will read and burn CDs without a problem, but it will not read or write to DVDs. It will plain out reject the disks, not recognizing them at all. How can I fix this? I am starting to believe this is a hardware issue with the drive. My current configuration:

Hardware Overview:

Machine Model: Power Mac G4 (AGP graphics)
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.9)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 500 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 256 MB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.28f1
Serial Number:
Sales Order Number:

I am running a new, clean install of 10.3 Panther. Any ideas? Thanks a lot,
david

[SSharon]

I think it may be worth a quick try to switch users and see if DVD's mount for them, at least then you can be sure whether its a hardware or software issue.

[tr]

hmmm...yeah, besides the user switching, i don't know what else to try. i put a DVR-A03 into my G4 450, and it works fine.

maybe it could be just that drive...

tr

[Teggo]

By switching users do you mean putting it into another computer?

[Tariq-1]

Make sure you have the drive installed in the top bay. According to Xlr8yourmac.com(go there and check out the drive database for more suggestions as well if this is not the problem), DVD drives work best as the Master, not slave in the top bay.

Tariq

Originally posted by Teggo:
I'm having a problem installing the "superdrive" (aka Pioneer DVR-104). I ordered one of these for my Sawtooth G4 to replace the now dead format DVD-RAM. However, I have run into some problems. Since Apple supplies all of the drivers, I figured that the swap would not require new drivers. The hardware swap was a breeze, and it was immediately recognized. In the Apple System Profiler, it reads:

ATA-3 Bus:

PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104:

Manufacturer: PIONEER
Model: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104
Revision: 1.30
Serial Number: BGEA013945WL
Drive Type: CD-RW/DVD-RW
Disc Burning: Apple Supported/Shipped
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal

My problem is this: it will not recognize any DVDs. It will read and burn CDs without a problem, but it will not read or write to DVDs. It will plain out reject the disks, not recognizing them at all. How can I fix this? I am starting to believe this is a hardware issue with the drive. My current configuration:

Hardware Overview:

Machine Model: Power Mac G4 (AGP graphics)
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.9)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 500 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 256 MB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.28f1
Serial Number:
Sales Order Number:

I am running a new, clean install of 10.3 Panther. Any ideas? Thanks a lot,
david

[SSharon]

no sorry, just switch users on your computer (make a new one if you have to) so you can test the drive with garanteed clean prefs and proper settings. so just logout and then in as someone else. I would be very surprised if you only have one user in panther. I made another user just to show the PC users in my school what it really means to switch users.